The Second Letter to the Corinthians by Seifrid Mark A.;

Author:Seifrid, Mark A.; [Seifrid, Mark A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: REL006070 Religion / Biblical Commentary / New Testament
Publisher: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company

(3) The Appeal from the Reception of Titus (7:2-16)

The chapter begins with an appeal to the Corinthians (7:2-4). Paul continues the exhortation that he begins in 6:11-13. The rest of the chapter is to be read as an elaboration of this appeal: the troubles with the Corinthians have not been overcome, even if a temporary victory has been achieved in the Corinthian reception of Titus, Paul’s messenger.

Nevertheless, the tone of the chapter is entirely positive, as Paul seeks to build upon this victory. Paul now closes the circle of the argument of the body of the letter. He again takes up the narrative of his concern for the Corinthians that he broke off at 2:11-13. The themes and questions of that narrative now reappear, as Paul recalls the drama that called forth this letter. He earlier left off the story with his departure for Macedonia (2:13), and he takes it up again with his arrival and meeting there with Titus, whom he had sought in Troas in his concern for the Corinthians (7:5). Paul, who had been thrust into distress over the Corinthians, has been comforted by God through them. He therefore rejoices (7:5-7). The themes of joy and sorrow in relationship to the Corinthians that Paul introduces in 1:23–2:4 come to expression again here, signaling the closure of the argument (7:8-13a). Paul underscores Titus’s joy over the response of the Corinthians to his mission to them (7:13b-16). The fidelity of the Corinthians to the apostle is no private matter, and it does not have to do with Paul’s person. It has to do with their fidelity to the Gospel, which binds them to Christ, and thereby to Titus and to all other Christians. Paul’s concluding words prepare for his appeal to the Corinthians to complete their promised contribution for Jerusalem, which will serve as an expression of their acceptance of the apostolic Gospel (8:1–9:15).

The closure of the body of the letter makes clear again that this letter to the Corinthians was entirely occasional, called forth by the confrontation that took place in Corinth, Paul’s decision not to visit the Corinthians, and the “tearful letter” that caused them so much grief. The occasion calls forth from Paul a profound and remarkable defense of the apostolic mission, the meaning of which transcends these particular circumstances without ever leaving them behind. Basic questions about Christian life, the interpretation of Scripture, and the significance of the apostolic message are answered in Paul’s response to the Corinthian defection.

As we have noted, Paul by no means regards the Corinthians’ positive response to Titus as the end of the story. Their relationship with one another remains fragile. This is already clear from his personal appeal prior to his happy report. The drama of the letter centers upon the threatened relationship of love that exists between the apostle and his church. More precisely stated, it is the relationship of love between Christ and the church, to whom the apostle has betrothed them (11:2). Yet the church does not have independent access to Christ but may come to him only through the apostolic word.

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